
My mom is bedridden with dementia, is not getting good care in the SNF she's in, so looking for alternatives. Found a 3-bedroom senior living home run by a nurse. I have a tour scheduled. She says she can handle my mom's care and hospice will see her daily too. Has anyone had experience with a home? I'm just a bit worried since no regulatory body oversees them-just require certification by the state of Texas I think. I have list of questions to ask during tour. Any advice?
Is mom already on hospice? Or is this the suggestion of the nurse running a 3-bedroom senior living home?
Look around and see how the other residents look. Are they smiling? Asking for help? Are they receiving help? Or, are they disoriented and lost? Ask if there is a schedule and what the schedule is for meals, bathing, personal cares, entertainment. Is someone supervising overnight?
If you do choose this home, check on your mom within the first week. Ask her how she feels, how she is doing, if her needs are being met. You can always try it and take her out of there if you don't feel it's a good fit. Don't agree to any long term financial contracts. Insist on a trial period.
Take your list of questions when you visit. I would try to visit often. then you have opportunity to get to know them and they you. They also know you will be there often with “eyes” on the place.
Dad was only there 2.5 months before his death.
Other than that, the elder foster home was absolutely the best place for mom.
The home was also about half the price of a memory care. Friend did not even have to sell moms house. She rented it out allowing it to appreciate five more years, thus benefiting their inheritance.
It was really a win win for everyone.
Some are like warehouses, and that is a scary thought.
Do your due diligence before moving mom. Ask the relatives of the other patients their honest feelings.
Ask away and keep copious notes.
And--good luck!
In my long experience in homecare, I find that hospice at home is mostly a joke. They bring a lot of meds and not a lot of support. Keep that in mind. Also, talk to them about what services they will provide.
A private care home can work and it sounds a lot nicer than a big commercial care facility. Just check them out A LOT and ask every question. Also, have a lawyer look ver any contracts you sign with the place before you move your mother there.
I kept my mother’s Primary Care and refused their “offer” of using theirs for supposed “convenience.” I’m glad I did since she did not remain under their care for long. She did not qualify - or so they said. It wasn’t my idea to put her on hospice - it was my and her Primary Care’s well meaning nurse. I also did not like the fact that Hospice insisted that she could not continue on Eliquis. She was put on it after a pulmonary embolism episode. She is not a fall risk since she is bedridden. I think it was the cost rather than a medical reason. They take over the meds and they didn’t want to pay for it. I did not want her to have a stroke. That would be worse for her AND me since I care for her in my home. I continued to give her what I had. My assessment? Maybe Hospice is helpful at the very end but they were virtually worthless in our situation.
The private home may be a good choice otherwise. Just ask questions and check it out before you leap.
Im praying this will all work out well. Its 5 minutes from my home too
That a nurse is opening / running it is a major additional plus.
Everything about it sounds so good for you and your mom.
Keep us up to date how you and your mom is doing.
Gena / Touch Matters
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